Imtech acquires Inviron to create building services giant

Imtech said that the deal now makes it one of the largest technical services providers in the UK.

For Inviron the deal means a stronger presence in the new-build market; for Imtech, it doubles its size in the UK market and brings new revenue streams in facilities management and the airports sector.

Inviron was originally incorporated as William Steward in 1933 and remained private until 1995 when it was acquired by electrical giant ABB. It was created as Inviron in 2003 from a management/employee buyout of the UK facilities management and building services activities of ABB. Until the sale to Imtech , it was entirely employee-owned.

Imtech said that Inviron formed “a perfect match” with its own activities in the UK.

Inviron has close to 1,100 direct employees plus  a large network of subcontractors. Its turnover is around £140m a year. 

In the UK Imtech has a similar number of employees and £250m turnover.

Imtech CEO René van der Bruggen said: “Imtech’s objective is to realise revenue of €8 billion in 2015. In this context, Imtech aims, among other things, to strengthen its position in the UK. The acquisition of Inviron fits perfectly in this strategy. Imtech can now offer the combination of new build technical solutions and technical maintenance & management throughout the entire UK to a larger customer base. This improves our position, increases our added value and enables additional growth. In short: an excellent step forwards."

Inviron’s head office is in Birmingham, with 10 regional offices across the country. It operates through three business units:

• Facilities Management & Services for clients including the British Film Institute, Capital Shopping Centres, Siemens, Entrust Property Management and Land Securities;
• Airports, providing technological maintenance and specific technological services to all major UK airports and RAF bases;
• Building Systems, supporting the other units on major projects.

Until now, Imtech’s UK activities have been entirely focused on new build projects. With Inviron, it can now offer the full spectrum of technological maintenance and management activities to its customers. The customer base will be widened, with hardly any overlap, Imtech said.

Imtech also has separate UK divisions in marine, ICT and traffic activities.

The name Inviron will be retained but the organisation will be integrated with Imtech’s UK operations in phases.

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